Benefit Assessment Officer

Description:

Job Description

Job Title

Benefit Assessment Officer

Contract Details

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Contract Length: 10 weeks

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Hours: 37 hours per week

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Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm

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Working Arrangement: Fully Remote

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IR35 Status: Inside IR35

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DBS Requirement: Basic DBS

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Benefit Assessment Officer to process Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims accurately and efficiently. The successful candidate will assess entitlement in accordance with current legislation and procedures while delivering excellent customer service through written correspondence, telephone, and other communication channels.

The role requires a strong understanding of the full range of benefit assessments, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage a varied workload while meeting performance targets.

Key Responsibilities

Process new and change of circumstance claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, ensuring all supporting evidence is verified and entitlement is assessed accurately in line with current legislation and local procedures.

Maintain accurate electronic records using the relevant benefits management systems and ensure all claim information is recorded correctly.

Review applications to determine whether sufficient evidence has been provided, identify missing or incorrect information, and request additional documentation where required.

Provide clear and professional advice to customers regarding benefit entitlement through written correspondence and telephone communication, maintaining high standards of customer service.

Calculate and process benefit overpayments and initiate appropriate recovery action where necessary.

Identify potential fraudulent claims and refer cases through the appropriate reporting procedures.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Universal Credit, and related welfare legislation through continuous learning and professional development.

Provide guidance to customers on potential entitlement to other welfare benefits and available financial assistance.

Work collaboratively with colleagues, government departments, and external organisations to support effective benefit administration.

Participate in team meetings, service improvement initiatives, and project work as required, contributing to the ongoing development of the service.

Maintain confidentiality of customer information at all times and ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation and organisational policies.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of two years' experience working in a similar Benefit Assessment role.

Previous experience assessing the full range of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims is essential.

Candidates must have recent experience using one or more of the following benefits systems:

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MRI

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Capita

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Civica

A sound working knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support legislation and procedures is required.

Applicants should have experience verifying customer evidence, handling confidential information, and maintaining accurate electronic records.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organisational abilities, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while managing deadlines are essential.

Good IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, are required.

Desirable

Experience working within a local authority benefits service covering the full range of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support assessments.

Knowledge of Universal Credit and wider welfare benefits.

Relevant professional qualifications such as the IRRV Certificate or equivalent